A Brief History
On October 30, 2022, the unfortunate people of Morbi, Gujarat, India found out the hard way just how dangerous it can be to walk, when a suspension pedestrian bridge collapsed and left about 140 dead and dozens injured.
Digging Deeper
There are many ways a person walking on foot can meet with disaster, either by falling, getting mugged, getting attacked by dogs or wild animals (even alligators!), or sadly being hit by a motor vehicle.
Less extreme problems with walking can include sore feet, blisters, sore legs, or perhaps getting dehydrated. You may even get a sunburn. Walking in the rain may sound like fun, at least until you get hit by lightning!
And then there are the diabolical treadmills, machines designed for people who want to walk or run and not get anywhere. About 22,000 people per year are injured or killed using treadmills, with no distinction between walkers and runners.
Walking is great exercise and a good way to get from point A to point B, but is it worth the risk?
Question for students (and subscribers) to ponder: Do you take a walk regularly?
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Abbs-Streets, Annabel. 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2022.
Birch, Ian. The Power of Walking: The 30 Day Plan that shows you how to get moving again. Kindle, 2023.
